The Truce (London Suits 1)

“I know. You’re going to get through this, Liv.”

Breathing deeply, I worked to compose myself.

“Okay. You can do this,” I told myself aloud, trying to inject conviction into my voice. I raised my tear-stained face to meet Avery’s compassionate gaze. “First things first. He’s moved into the meeting room, so we have as little contact as possible. I’ve been thinking about it all day since Eth told me, and I’ve come to the conclusion that he’s right. The only way I’m going to be able to get through this is to have a clean break. I love my job, and I’m not going to let him drive me away from that, but I can block him in other ways.” Unzipping my handbag, I pulled out my phone. “Time to block his number and social media accounts.”

Avery stared at me, her brow furrowed. “Are you sure you want to do this, doll? Do you think it’s worth trying to talk to him about all this, at least?”

“Talk to him,” I said bitterly. “Yeah, I tried that.” Pulling up my text app, I turned the phone so she could see my screen and the list of texts I’d sent over the weekend.

Me: Luke, please can we talk?

Me: Please answer your phone.

Me: This has to be a mistake. If we’re moving too fast or I’ve done something wrong, please tell me. We can work it out.

Me: PLEASE talk to me.

Me: We can go as slow as you need to. Please just talk to me.

Me: Luke, I’m going insane here. I need to know what’s happening.

Me: Please answer your phone or at least text me back.

Me: Please talk to me. I’m begging you.

Me: I told you I loved you and you can’t do me the courtesy of replying to me?

Me: Fuck you. I’m done.

“Oh.” Avery’s face crumpled. “Liv, I’m so sorry. How could he ignore you like that?”

I shrugged listlessly. “It is what it is. If he doesn’t want to speak to me, there’s nothing else I can try.”

“Well, in that case, do you want me to do it?”

“Would you? Thanks, Aves. I don’t think I can handle seeing his face.”

“Pass it over, then, and I’ll erase him from your life. Are you a hundred percent sure?”

“Completely.” I nodded. “Because I know I’ll only end up torturing myself scrolling through his photos and updates. Plus, when he has a new girlfr—” I slammed my mouth shut, unable to bear contemplating that. Deep down, my fear was that Luke would move on, that he’d meet someone else that he wanted to commit to. He’d make the effort for her. He’d fall in love with someone, someone who wasn’t me.

“Don’t even think it,” Avery warned, narrowing her eyes. Taking my phone from me, she scrolled through my social media apps and contact list, until she’d blocked him everywhere.

“There you go.” She looked at me sadly. “All gone.”

“Thank you for helping me,” I whispered.

“Anytime. I’m always here for you, you know that.”

“I do, and thank you.” Hugging her, I turned to get out of the SUV.

Avery put a hand on my arm, stalling my movements. “You can come over for dinner if you like?”

I smiled tremulously. “Thanks, Aves, but I think I want to be alone tonight. All I want is to sit in front of mindless TV and switch off from everything.”

“If you change my mind, you know where I am.” She let go of my arm. “Call me tomorrow, okay? I’m worried about you.”

“I will, but please don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright. One day at a time, that’s all I have to get through. I’m not the first person this has happened to, and I won’t be the last. I can do this.”